University behaviour policies
Everyone in our University community is responsible for ensuring Leeds is a place where everyone feels they belong.
We understand that harassment, sexual misconduct and other forms of violence, abuse and discrimination happen across society, and universities are not exempt. Such behaviours are not tolerated in our community.
Expectations for students
The Leeds Partnership sets out what all members of the University community can expect from one another.
We expect all students to:
- behave in a professional and responsible manner, with respect for all staff and students
- have respect for University property, the property of others, and everyone’s safety on campus
- not to participate in, or condone, any act of harassment, bullying or victimisation
- not to participate in, or condone, any behaviour that may interfere with the work of the University or bring the University into disrepute
- modify their behaviour if they become aware that it is unacceptable.
Student Policy on Preventing and Addressing Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct
We do not accept bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct and other forms of unacceptable behaviour, by any one in, or representing, our university, whether deliberate or unintentional.
We encourage students and postgraduate researchers to raise concerns of bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct under the Student Policy on Preventing and Addressing Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct (PDF), regardless of how or where the behaviour occurred, and the medium used.
The Student Policy on Preventing and Addressing Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct (PDF) outlines the steps to follow to raise a formal complaint under the policy.
Breaches of the Staff Policy on Preventing and Addressing Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct (PDF) and Student Policy on Preventing and Addressing Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct (PDF) in a work or educational situation, by staff members, students or postgraduate researchers, will be investigated under the relevant procedures which, subject to investigation, could result in disciplinary action, up to and including being excluded from the University.
Personal Relationships at Work Policy
We recognise that socialising between staff, students, postgraduate researchers and any other people that you may engage with during your time at Leeds, can be a positive aspect of being a member of the University community.
We also recognise that the nature of our university community means that staff may be in, or may develop, personal relationships with other members of our community, or work with other staff or students with whom they have a family relationship.
To protect students, postgraduate researchers and staff from actual or potential conflicts of interest, and to limit circumstances where a position of power may be abused, our Personal Relationships at Work Policy (PDF) policy strongly discourages staff from having:
- a. intimate personal relationships and close personal relationships with students and postgraduate researchers where the member of staff has direct academic responsibilities or other direct professional responsibilities.
- b. intimate personal relationships and close personal relationships with students where there is no direct professional responsibility for, and/or involvement with that student’s academic studies and/or personal welfare.
If a staff member fails to recognise a conflict of interest or abuse of power or to declare the relationship, it will be treated as a staff conduct/disciplinary matter and could result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
Students and postgraduate researchers who disclose or report harassment and misconduct that has taken place within a relationship with a staff member will not face negative repercussions and be supported through any informal or formal processes that subsequently take place.
Further support
You are not alone. If you’ve experienced any kind of violence, abuse, bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, discrimination, fraud or blackmail, we’re here for you.
The University’s Harassment and Misconduct team can help however feels right to you, whether you want to explore support options, make a formal report, or just talk. Email the Harassment and Misconduct team at reportandsupport@leeds.ac.uk.
You can also access independent support from Leeds University Union. Email Leeds University Union’s Help and Support team at advice@luu.leeds.ac.uk.
If you have any questions about the Student Complaints procedure, email the Student Cases team at studentcases@leeds.ac.uk.